Probable Role of Aromatization in the Induction of Estrous Behavior by Androgens in the Ovariectomized Rabbit

Abstract
The effect of diverse androgens on the sexual behavior of ovariectomized rabbits was tested. Testosterone (0.5 mg/12 hr), androstendione (0.5 mg/12 hr), 19-hydroxyandrostendione (2 mg/12 hr) and dehydroepiandrosterone (20 mg/12 hr) elicited lordosis behavior in all treated rabbits and mounting behavior in a high proportion. Androsterone (up to 20 mg/12 hr), dihydrotestosterone (up to 10 mg/12 hr) and chlorotestosterone acetate (up to 10 mg/12 hr) administered for 6 or 13 days failed to stimulate estrous behavior significantly. Since the “ineffective” androgens cannot be converted to estrogen, it is suggested that aromatization plays an important role in the production of estrous behavior by androgens.

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